In a shocking twist, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly prepared to sanction the sale of key midfielder Mikel Merino to fund a blockbuster £70 million move for Athletic Club’s in-demand star Oihan Sancet next summer. The Gunners are locked in a fierce transfer battle with rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United for the 25-year-old Spaniard, who has emerged as a top target for the North London club.
Arsenal are already strategizing for the 2026 summer transfer window, with Sancet at the forefront of their plans. The Athletic Club midfielder, contracted until 2032, has a £70 million release clause that has caught the attention of several Premier League giants. Sancet’s standout performance, despite playing only 68 minutes in Athletic’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Arsenal last week, has reportedly convinced Arteta that he could be the “missing piece” in the Gunners’ midfield.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Arsenal are ready to make a bold move for Sancet but acknowledge that the transfer is unlikely to materialize before next summer. The 25-year-old’s impressive tally of 17 goals and three assists last season has made him a hot commodity, with Tottenham and Manchester United also vying for his signature.
To finance this audacious swoop, Arsenal could offload Mikel Merino, who only joined the club from Real Sociedad in 2024 for a reported £32 million. Despite his versatility and ability to contribute both in midfield and as a forward, Merino has not cemented a regular starting spot in Arteta’s squad. The Spaniard started in league matches against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest this season and featured in the Champions League clash against Athletic Bilbao. Last season, he made 44 appearances across all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing five assists.
Arteta has previously praised Merino’s adaptability, particularly when deployed in an unfamiliar forward role. In March, the Arsenal boss highlighted Merino’s impact, stating, “The way he’s approaching it is incredible. He wants to understand everything, he wants to learn from it, he’s very critical of himself all the time. The reality is that he’s winning football matches for us.”
However, with Sancet offering similar versatility and a potentially higher ceiling, Arsenal appear willing to part ways with Merino to secure their top target.
Arsenal’s midfield is already brimming with talent, bolstered by recent signings like Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, and Martin Zubimendi, alongside the rapid rise of young star Max Dowman. Yet, Sancet’s unique blend of goal-scoring prowess, creativity, and physicality is seen as a game-changer for Arteta’s system. The Spanish midfielder’s ability to contribute in both attacking and defensive phases could provide Arsenal with a dynamic edge in their pursuit of silverware.
The race for Sancet is set to intensify, with Tottenham and Manchester United also in the mix. Spurs, under Ange Postecoglou, are looking to bolster their midfield options, while United, seeking to rebuild under new management, view Sancet as a potential cornerstone. Arsenal’s willingness to sacrifice Merino could give them a financial advantage in negotiations, but the Gunners will need to act decisively to fend off their rivals.
As Arsenal prepare for a pivotal summer, Arteta’s readiness to part with a player of Merino’s caliber underscores the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level. While Merino has proven his worth, Sancet’s potential arrival could elevate Arsenal’s squad to new heights. Fans will be watching closely as the Gunners navigate this high-stakes transfer saga, with the outcome potentially shaping their rivalry with Tottenham and Manchester United both on and off the pitch.